Tom Opre, an award-winning filmmaker, author, outdoor communicator and conservation advocate, has been recognized with the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers’ (AGLOW) Past Presidents Golden Glow Individual Award for his extraordinary contributions to outdoor communications and conservation education.
Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Opre has used television, documentary filmmaking, books, journalism and public speaking to elevate conversations about wildlife, conservation and humanity’s responsibility to the natural world. His work has consistently demonstrated that outdoor storytelling can do more than entertain; it can educate audiences, influence public policy and advance meaningful conservation efforts.
Opre first gained national recognition as the creator and host of Eye of the Hunter, a nationally televised NBC Sports series that reached one of the largest audiences in outdoor television. The program distinguished itself by looking beyond the pursuit of game to explore wildlife, conservation, history and the people responsible for stewarding the land.
He later expanded into feature documentary filmmaking, producing several internationally recognized films addressing some of conservation’s most complex issues. His landmark documentary, Killing the Shepherd, examined the relationship between African wildlife conservation, sustainable use and rural communities. The film received recognition at more than 40 international film festivals and was screened at the U.S. Capitol, the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster, the European Parliament, state legislatures and international conservation forums, including presentations to delegates attending CITES.
His subsequent documentaries, The Last Keeper, examining Scotland’s traditions of private land stewardship, and The Real Yellowstone, exploring complex wildlife management issues in North America, further established his reputation for thoughtful, balanced conservation storytelling.
Opre has expanded these projects through companion books, podcasts, journalism, educational outreach and public speaking. He also founded the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding public understanding and trust in science-based wildlife conservation through storytelling and education. He currently serves as its executive director.
His conservation work continues through documentation of Operation Return of the Wild in Zambia, an ambitious wildlife restoration effort. His latest filmmaking efforts demonstrate his belief that outdoor communicators can play an active role in advancing conservation, not simply documenting it. Opre has also contributed to the outdoor communications profession through his service as president of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), where he championed excellence, ethical journalism and mentorship.
Across television, filmmaking, publishing and conservation leadership, Opre has consistently challenged audiences to think more deeply about wildlife management, stewardship and the future of natural resources.
AGLOW’s Past Presidents Golden Glow Individual Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made lasting contributions to outdoor communications. Opre’s internationally recognized storytelling, conservation advocacy and dedication to public education exemplify that distinction.
For more information about AGLOW and its many opportunities, visit aglowoutdoors.com
About AGLOW:
Founded in 1956, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) is a dynamic organization of writers, editors, publishers, broadcasters, authors, lecturers, photographers, artists, electronic media specialists, outdoor industry representatives, and tourism professionals, working together to promote the conservation and responsible use of our outdoor resources. As individual outdoor communicators, we educate and inform the public through the written and spoken word. As an organization, we foster an unmatched fellowship among our members and provide amazing networking, educational and craft improvement opportunities.
To help support conservation and restoration of Great Lakes whitefish, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources starting this month will collect lake whitefish eggs in the nearshore areas of Lake Michigan between South Haven and Muskegon.
